Ed's "Illusion" cottage sits on a pretty and easy to access property that allows for a short walk to a sturdy dock and swimmable shoreline on Lake St. Catherine. The property has potential. Here's what we found problematic:
Upon entering cottage Illusion, there was a good deal of dust and dirt in need of vacuuming. The window casings were filthy and there was abundant dust on the rafters, upper windows, and on the plethora of bric-a-brac. When I mentioned this to Ed, he said he did not know how to respond to the cleanliness complaint "as he and his wife had been there right after the house was cleaned and it looked very clean." I have pics that reveal otherwise.
The fan in the guest bedroom is hanging by a wire and needs to be fixed. One mattress was horrible (hard as a rock); Ed said he has changed it. The deck off the back has a rickety railing. The part that is comprised of a baby gate and zip ties is, according to Ed, there to keep pets from jumping off the deck. Our concern was with that particular "illusion" as well as the newel posts that came off in our hands and the deck that gave a bit when leaned against.
We did not see a fire extinguisher and Ed said he was sorry we did not see it...I asked why there were no smoke or carbon monoxide detectors (a requirement for any rental). Ed said they were "in the house, and the repair man was supposed to install them when he installed the new interior rail." I know not of what interior rail he speaks, and I assure you, no smoke, nor carbon monoxide detectors were present.
We informed Ed that the pedals on the paddle board snap off, and we were told those must have been damaged by a previous renter. (This is a complaint that's been made in the past).
The phone (landline) required a service code. Ed said he will contact the phone company because "it has not done that before."
Numerous electrical cords and extension cords are jury-rigged throughout.
A gust of wind blew over the standing dead birch in the yard, which my husband cleaned up; Ed thanked us for that.
We expected a rustic cottage and did not mind a tiny bathroom or kitchen. As I said, the property is sweet and has enormous potential, but considering the lack of code compliance and lack of cleanliness, which in pre-COVID times would be unacceptable, I can't recommend staying here. As a host/renter, I know something about renting in VT and I do not appreciate excuses. Own the problems and fix them if you intend to rent.
